4.2.4

Nazi Culture

Test yourself

Nazi Art and Culture

The Nazis wanted the arts to be traditional, not the ‘degenerate’ style (modern art) that was popular in the Weimar Republic. The Reich Chamber of Culture was set up in 1933 to monitor art and culture to make sure that they conformed to the Nazi message.

Illustrative background for BuildingsIllustrative background for Buildings ?? "content

Buildings

  • The Nazis wanted buildings to reflect Nazi power.
    • They modelled architecture off the grandeur (impressiveness and beauty) of the Ancient Romans and Greeks.
  • Buildings had to be built from traditional materials.
  • Albert Speer was Hitler’s preferred architect. He created key Nazi buildings, such as the buildings for rallies.
Illustrative background for MusicIllustrative background for Music ?? "content

Music

  • The Nazis wanted music to be traditional.
    • ‘Degenerate’ Jazz music was banned.
  • Any music written by a Jewish composer was forbidden, for example Mendelsshon.
  • Music by Beethoven was encouraged.
Illustrative background for ArtIllustrative background for Art ?? "content

Art

  • Art was meant to glorify (make great) the Aryan race and traditional volk values.
    • The Reich Chamber of Visual Arts was set up in 1933 to monitor art and culture.
  • Art had a naturalist style (showing things as they really are). The Nazis popularised (made popular) paintings of the ideal Aryan family or rural (countryside) scenes.
  • Favoured Nazi artists were rewarded with large competition prizes.
    • Many artists fled the Nazis to continue their own style of art.
Illustrative background for LiteratureIllustrative background for Literature ?? "content

Literature

  • Literature needed to fit the Nazi message.
    • Thousands of books were burned to show the population to send out a message of Nazi power.
    • The Chamber of culture had to approve all books.
Illustrative background for CinemaIllustrative background for Cinema ?? "content

Cinema

  • The cinema was a modern way to send strong messages of Nazi propaganda.
    • All film scripts had to be approved by Goebbels himself.
    • It was compulsory for cinemas to show short Nazi propaganda films before the entertainment film.

Jump to other topics

1Political & Governmental Change, 1918-1989

2Opposition, Control & Consent 1918-1989

3Economic Developments & Policies, 1918-1989

4Aspects of Life, 1918-1989

5Historical Interpretations

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson